Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Mukashev Slambek

Almaty 2017

2. Plan

What is systemic lupus erythematosus?
Recognizing potential symptoms of SLE
Causes of SLE
How is SLE diagnosed?
Treatment for SLE
Long-term complications of SLE
What is the outlook for people with SLE?

3. What is systemic lupus erythematosus?

The immune system normally fights off dangerous infections and bacteria to
keep the body healthy. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune
system attacks the body because it confuses it for something foreign.
There are many autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE).
The term lupus has been used to identify a number of immune diseases that
have similar clinical presentations and laboratory features, but SLE is the
most common type of lupus. People are often referring to SLE when they
say lupus.
SLE is a chronic disease that can have phases of worsening symptoms that
alternate with periods of mild symptoms. Most people with SLE are able to
live a normal life with treatment.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, at least 1.5 million Americans
are living with diagnosed lupus. The foundation believes that the number
of people who actually have the condition is much higher and that many
cases go undiagnosed.

4. Recognizing potential symptoms of SLE

Symptoms can vary and can change over time. Common symptoms include:
• severe fatigue
• joint pain
• joint swelling
• headaches
• a rash on the cheeks and nose, which is called a “butterfly rash”
• hair loss
• anemia
• blood-clotting problems
• fingers turning white or blue and tingling when cold, which is known as Raynaud’s
phenomenon
Other symptoms depend on the part of the body the disease is attacking, such as
the digestive tract, the heart, or the skin.
Lupus symptoms are also symptoms of many other diseases, which makes diagnosis
tricky. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor. Your doctor can run
tests to gather the information needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

5. “Butterfly rash”

6. The nerves

Lupus often attacks the nerves, which carry messages from the
brain to the rest of the body. This damage can lead to a range
of symptoms, including:
• headaches
• confusion
• vision problems
• mood swings
• dizziness
• numbness
When lupus attacks nerves to the hands and feet, it can cause
Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes the tips of the fingers
or toes to turn red, white, or blue. Fingers and toes may also
feel numb or painful in response to cold.

7. Raynaud’s phenomenon

8. Disc-shaped rash

9. Ring-shaped rash

10. Causes of SLE The exact cause of SLE isn’t known, but several factors have been associated with the disease.

Genetics
The disease isn’t linked to a certain gene, but people with lupus often have
family members with other autoimmune conditions.
Environmental triggers can include:
• ultraviolet rays
• certain medications
• viruses
• physical or emotional stress
• trauma
Hormones
SLE affects women more than men. Women also may experience more severe
symptoms during pregnancy and with their menstrual periods. Both of
these observations have led some medical professionals to believe that the
female hormone estrogen may play a role in causing SLE. However, more
research is still needed to prove this theory.

11. How is SLE diagnosed?

Doctor will do a physical exam to check for typical signs and symptoms of lupus,
including:
• sun sensitivity rashes, such as a malar or butterfly rash
• mucous membrane ulcers, which may occur in the mouth or nose
• arthritis, which is swelling or tenderness of the small joints of the hands, feet,
knees, and wrists
• hair loss
• hair thinning
• signs of cardiac or lung involvement, such as murmurs, rubs, or irregular heartbeats
No one single test is diagnostic for SLE, but screenings that can help your doctor come
to an informed diagnosis include:
• blood tests, such as antibody tests and a complete blood count
• a urinalysis
• a chest X-ray
Doctor might refer you to a rheumatologist, which is a doctor who specializes in
treating joint and soft tissue disorders and autoimmune diseases.

12. Treatment for SLE

No cure for SLE exists. The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms. Treatment
can vary depending on how severe your symptoms are and which parts of
your body SLE affects. The treatments may include:
• anti-inflammatory medications for joint pain and stiffness
• steroid creams for rashes
• corticosteroids to minimize the immune response
• antimalarial drugs for skin and joint problems
• disease modifying drugs or targeted immune system agents for more severe
cases
Talk with doctor about your diet and lifestyle habits. Doctor might recommend
eating or avoiding certain foods and minimizing stress to reduce the
likelihood of triggering symptoms. You might need to have screenings
for osteoporosis since steroids can thin your bones. Your doctor may also
recommend preventive care, such as immunizations that are safe for people
with autoimmune diseases and cardiac screenings.

13. Long-term complications of SLE

Over time, SLE can damage or cause complications in systems throughout your body.
Possible complications may include:
• blood clots and inflammation of blood vessels or vasculitis
• inflammation of the heart, or pericarditis
• a heart attack
• a stroke
• memory changes
• behavioral changes
• seizures
• inflammation of lung tissue and the lining of the lung, or pleuritis
• kidney inflammation
• decreased kidney function
• kidney failure
SLE can have serious negative effects on your body during pregnancy. It can lead to
pregnancy complications and even miscarriage. Talk with your doctor about ways
to reduce the risk of complications.

14. What is the outlook for people with SLE?

SLE affects people differently. Treatments are most
effective when you start them soon after
symptoms develop and when your doctor tailors
them to you. It’s important that you make an
appointment with your doctor if you develop any
symptoms that concern you.
Living with a chronic condition can be difficult.
Talk to your doctor about support groups in your
area. Working with a trained counselor or support
group can help you reduce stress, maintain
positive mental health, and manage your illness.

15.

Thank you for attention!